A’ Famosa Fortress, Malacca – Remains of a Mighty Fortress

The A’ Famosa Fortress, Malacca (Jalan Kota, 75000 Malacca, Malaysia) is located on St Paul’s Hill, near various historical site remains such as the Stadthuys and the St Paul’s Church. Together the buildings form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malacca. Also known as the Porta De Santiago, the fortress dates back to 1511 when the Portuguese colonise Malacca after defeating the Malacca Sultanate.

A’ Famosa Fortress, Malacca

A’ Famosa, Malacca Plan

The Portuguese build the mighty fortress in the 16th century. It made up of four gates and towers with elongated barriers. There is a four-storey tower which stored ammunition, served as the captain’s residence and officer’s quarters. Villages were also clustered in townhouses within the fortress walls together with churches and hospitals.

The fort came under Dutch’s control in 1641 after Dutch defeated the Portuguese. It was renamed “VOC” by the Dutch. You will be able to see the “VOC” logo which represents the Dutch East India Company that monopolised spice trades between the West and the East in the 17th Century. The fortress was destroyed by the British in the 19th Century as they had feared that it will fall into enemy hands. In the present day, what is left of the present day A’ Famosa Fortress is the last standing gate of the once mighty fortress.

A’ Famosa Fortress, Malacca

Love A’ Famosa Fortress, Malacca? We found four other historical and heritage sites which reflect the coming together of historical and cultural influences from the Asia with those of Europe across the long span of time. Take a look at the St John’s Fort, the St Paul’s Church, the Stadthuys and the Cheng Hoong Teng Temple to find more about each place!